Revit Architecture 2013 - what's new?

Every season many of us are looking forward to the incoming of spring! The reason for this is not only anticipation of the sun, heat, and flowers, but the release of Autodesk products new versions.


I present a review of the main Revit line innovations in series of reports. We are going to talk about not only what is new was added to a specific product, but also on global changes in the platform (I have to highlight that they really worthy of attention).


As I try to publish the material immediately after the official product release, then I do not pretend my survey to be complete and absolutely accurate. The article will be expanded; there will be more specific material and examples of use. Follow the updates.

General Revit Platform Updates


In 2011, Autodesk introduced the product packages (Suite), which represented a complete set of solutions for a particular direction. For example, Autodesk Building Design Suite devoted to construction, which includes products of construction sphere (AutoCAD, 3 Revit's, Inventor, Max - depending on the version).


So what new will be for Building Design Suite users?
Let's go in order.



Autodesk Revit 2013 (do not confuse it with Revit Architecture, Revit Structure and Revit MEP)


Finally it has happened, why so many were waiting for – there will be only one product that combines the functionality of Architecture, Structure and MEP in the package. It goes without saying that  it's very convenient for those who work with this software in a complex way. But still for those who need a separate product, it is available as before. I've always installed three versions of Revit, so I am going to  use it without doubt!

Improved integration with Autodesk Showcase and Autodesk 3ds Max


Now we can observe the process of model rendering in Autodesk 3ds Max and Autodesk Showcase demonstration almost seamlessly. Really can’t wait to test the degree of so called "seamless."

These are two key innovations associated with changes in the platform. Now let's look at what has appeared in Revit in terms of tools and opportunities – in the context of architecture and in general.



What's New in Revit Architecture 2013

Component-based stairs
All stair's components can be modify with direct manipulation, overlapping stairs capabilities, annotation improvements and more.

 

Railings Enhancements
Railing transitions and extensions, auto-placement of continuous rail elements, preview during sketching

Physical Properties for Building Performance Analysis

We can assign thermal and structural properties for Revit building construction, and use it in Revit MEP

Visualization Enhancements




Tool "Parts" updated

Revit Exchange

New online add-ons - store for Revit - now it can download or buy all add-ons, available for it.

Autodesk 360 Rendering

Users of Autodesk Building Design Suite 2013 Premium and Ultimate editions with an active subscription can perform rendering on the server Autodesk. I've used it on a stage "Project Neon" - great quality and speed.

Also improved:

• Assemplies
• Revit browser search
• Dimensions (we can divide one dimensions chain to two)
• Diameter
• Complex grids
• Export to DWG
• Export to IFC
• Revit Server
• Overall perfomance

Best regards,
Alexander Vysotskiy